11 Hotels with View of Space Needle in Seattle
Seattle, Washington, indelibly marked by its iconic Space Needle, is a magnet for travelers who crave not just the sights of the city but spectacular vistas that incorporate this architectural landmark in their skyline panoramas. Whether you're a first-time visitor, an avid photographer chasing golden light on the Needleâs silhouette, or simply a traveler who appreciates a memorable hotel view as part of the tripâs experience, Seattle offers an appealing mix of scenic hotel options that showcase the Space Needle from a variety of unique perspectives.
The hotels with views of the Space Needle in Seattle span a fascinating range of viewpoints - some provide direct, postcard-perfect angles where the Needle is front and center, crafted into the roomâs framing by generous floor-to-ceiling windows. Others offer sweeping panoramic scenes that place the Needle within a broader cityscape, including glimpses of Lake Union, Elliott Bay, and even the Olympic Mountains. Some properties nestle right near the Needle, enabling dramatic close-up views, while others deliver these iconic vistas from rooftops and terraces, perfect for guests seeking a social and atmospheric way to take in the skyline.
Expectations should be set carefully: view clarity and angle can vary significantly by room orientation, floor level, and neighboring buildings. Some hotels offer dedicated âSpace Needle Viewâ room categories that guarantee the sightline, whereas others provide the view primarily from public spaces like rooftop lounges or select suites. For travelers prioritizing that signature Needle vista, understanding these distinctions will guide you toward the best possible stay.
Quick Overview: Best Hotels With a View of Space Needle
- Pan Pacific Seattle â Luxury hotel with direct, unobstructed views of the Needle, floor-to-ceiling windows, South Lake Union location
- Astra Hotel Seattle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel â Boutique lifestyle hotel, close-up and angled views from rooftop bar and select rooms
- The Westin Seattle â Upscale business hotel offering panoramic skyline views from iconic cylindrical towers
- Hyatt Regency Seattle â Luxury high-rise with far-reaching vistas of Space Needle and Lake Union
- Mediterranean Inn â Mid-range boutique in Queen Anne with a rooftop deck featuring dramatic close-up views
- Thompson Seattle â Luxury boutique with signature rooftop bar and limited north-facing rooms framing the Needle within a waterfront panorama
- The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton â Modern boutique spot in Belltown offering crisp and modern partial views
- Four Seasons Hotel Seattle â Ultra-luxury property with a distant but sweeping skyline and waterfront panorama including the Needle
- citizenM Seattle South Lake Union â Affordable luxury emphasizing rooftop bar views and select high-floor rooms
- Hyatt at Olive 8 â Upscale, eco-conscious hotel with sleek angled views over the Denny Triangle neighborhood
- Level South Lake Union â Apartment-style suites with balconies offering direct Needle views from select north-facing units
Pan Pacific Seattle
Distance to Space Needle: 0.6 miles
The Pan Pacific Seattle is frequently praised for offering what many consider the most iconic, direct, and unobstructed views of the full Space Needle. Situated in South Lake Union, this luxury hotelâs north-facing rooms provide an immersive viewing experience through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, making the landmark feel like an integral part of the roomâs ambiance. The Needle here is framed like an artwork, making it a favorite for travelers prioritizing a postcard-perfect perspective.
Best Rooms & Suites for the View
To secure the full visual impact, book a designated "Space Needle View" room category. The best rooms include the Denny Suite, Space Needle View Suite, and Premier Space Needle View King. Itâs important to note that views are primarily offered from north-facing rooms; south-facing ones look toward the city or Denny Park, and low-floor rooms can experience obstructions from surrounding buildings.
Top Amenities
- Luxury spa services
- Valet parking
- Gourmet restaurant and lounge
- 24-hour fitness center
Location & Setting
Located at 2125 Terry Ave in Seattleâs South Lake Union neighborhood, the hotel enjoys a lively urban setting with modern touches, perfect for those who want a luxury stay coupled with direct access to iconic Seattle views.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Travelers looking for a refined, upscale experience with floor-to-ceiling windows framing an unhindered, straightforward Space Needle view. Ideal for guests seeking a photo-ready, classic skyline stay with close proximity to Seattleâs vibrant South Lake Union.
Official Website
Astra Hotel Seattle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Distance to Space Needle: 0.4 miles
Situated in South Lake Union, the Astra Hotel is a boutique lifestyle property beloved for its striking close-up and slightly angled views of the Space Needle. Views are especially dynamic from the rooftop bar, ALTITUDE Sky Lounge, where panoramic cityscapes mingle with an impressive perspective of the Needle itself. The proximity here means the hotel offers a detailed profile of the structure rather than a distant skyline shot.
Best Rooms & Suites for the View
View guarantees come with the "Space Needle View" rooms, available as either King or 2 Queen beds. Lower-floor rooms may have some view obstruction from neighboring buildings, making higher floors preferable.
Top Amenities
- Rooftop lounge with panoramic views
- Fitness center
- On-site restaurant
- Pet-friendly rooms
Location & Setting
Found at 300 Terry Ave N in South Lake Union, the Astra Hotel nestles among Seattleâs tech and innovation hub, blending modern luxury with spectacular cityscapes.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Ideal for guests craving a modern, boutique vibe and those who want to enjoy close quarters with the Needleâs iconic profile, especially from the lively rooftop bar.
Official Website
The Westin Seattle
Distance to Space Needle: 0.8 miles
Famed for its unique cylindrical towers, The Westin Seattle offers a sweeping panoramic view of the city from its high-floor, north-facing rooms. The vista here combines the Space Needle as a prominent focal point within a broader landscape that stretches across Lake Union and downtown. The expansive windows and height make it a favorite among guests seeking wider skyline views with a landmark in clear sight.
Best Rooms & Suites for the View
Spaces to target for the view include the Premium Space Needle View King and Deluxe Space Needle View Rooms. The view, however, depends heavily on being in the North Tower and on a high floor; rooms in the South Tower or lower floors generally lack the Space Needle sightline.
Top Amenities
- Indoor pool
- WestinWORKOUTÂŽ Fitness Studio
- Multiple dining options
- Conference facilities
Location & Setting
Located at 1900 5th Ave in downtown Seattle, this hotel rests in the city's urban heart. Its iconic structure offers great connectivity and panoramic vantage points.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Business travelers or visitors who want an upscale stay combined with iconic, wide-reaching city and skyline panoramas, including a dramatic Space Needle perspectiveâespecially stunning around sunset.
Official Website
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Distance to Space Needle: 0.8 miles
One of the tallest hotels in Seattle, Hyatt Regency Seattle provides impressive, modern accommodations coupled with sweeping, far-reaching views from the upper floors. Its north-facing rooms frame the Space Needle alongside Lake Union and Capitol Hill, offering a well-rounded cityscape. The clean, contemporary design acts as the perfect complement to these panoramic city vistas.
Best Rooms & Suites for the View
The Regency Suite King with Space Needle View and King Bed with Space Needle View (High Floor) offer the best opportunity to soak in the Needle from an elevated position. Booking a high floor is crucialâlower floors have obstructed views.
Top Amenities
- Multiple on-site restaurants and bars
- Large 24/7 fitness center
- Club Lounge
- Modern meeting spaces
Location & Setting
At 808 Howell St in Seattleâs downtown, the hotel is positioned to immerse guests in the cityâs core while delivering spectacular skyline views.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Luxury seekers attending conventions or wanting a modern, sleek hotel with broad window views that include a clear, impressive Needle sightline from the upper floors.
Official Website
Mediterranean Inn
Distance to Space Needle: 0.4 miles
In Queen Anne, the Mediterranean Inn is prized for offering one of the best value-for-money views of the Space Needle. Its proximity allows for up-close, dramatic perspectives, particularly from the rooftop patio, which features 360-degree views of the Needle, skyline, and Elliott Bay. While not every guest room guarantees the view, the rooftop deck is accessible to all guests and makes this a popular spot for skyline lovers on a budget.
Best Rooms & Suites for the View
To maximize your chances, request rooms facing east toward the Space Needle. However, the most reliable experience is from the shared rooftop deck, which provides spectacular panoramic views.
Top Amenities
- Rooftop patio with panoramic views
- Kitchenettes in rooms
- Complimentary bicycles
- Fitness center
Location & Setting
Situated at 425 Queen Anne Ave N, this boutique property provides a relaxed Queen Anne neighborhood vibe with easy accessibility to the Needle and city.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Travelers seeking a mid-range, boutique accommodation with large open-air communal spaces for capturing stunning views without the high price tag of luxury options.
Official Website
Thompson Seattle
Distance to Space Needle: 1 mile
Thompson Seattle is a luxury boutique hotel distinguished by its rooftop bar, The Nest, that offers sweeping views not only of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains but also the Space Needle beautifully positioned within the panorama. Some north-facing rooms share this mixed city and waterfront outlook, though the primary attraction remains the rooftop setting where guests can take in a vast skyline horizon.
Best Rooms & Suites for the View
Ideal choices include the Thompson Suite, Studio Suite Water View, and King Room with Water View and Balcony on higher floors. The rooftop bar offers the best, most uninterrupted views for admiring the Needle as part of a wide, scenic vista.
Top Amenities
- Renowned rooftop cocktail lounge
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- On-site restaurant (Conversation)
- 24-hour fitness center
Location & Setting
Located at 110 Stewart St near Pike Place Market, in a waterfront setting that combines city and water views.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Travelers who enjoy luxury boutique environments with stylish rooftop social spaces, and who appreciate a view where the Space Needle complements a broader natural and urban scene.
Official Website
The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Distance to Space Needle: 0.6 miles
Set in the vibrant Belltown neighborhood, The Sound Hotel is a boutique property offering modern accommodations with a clean, crisp aesthetic. Its north-facing rooms deliver solid, if sometimes partially obstructed, views of the Space Needle. Guests can also enjoy the 7th-floor terrace, ideal for stepping outside to refresh their perspective on the seated landmark.
Best Rooms & Suites for the View
Book the â1 King Bed with Space Needle Viewâ or the corner variation to ensure a direct line of sight. Partial obstructions from surrounding buildings mean outdoor terrace time may bring the best experience.
Top Amenities
- Outdoor terrace with views
- On-site bar and restaurant
- Fitness center
- Pet-friendly
Location & Setting
Found at 2120 4th Ave in Belltown, placing guests within easy access to trendy urban scenes and cultural spots.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Travelers seeking a boutique hotel vibe in a lively neighborhood, with reliable cityscapes centered on the Needle though some partial view limitations.
Official Website
The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Distance to Space Needle: 1.1 miles
The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is a top choice for travelers desiring ultra-luxury accommodations coupled with sweeping, distant panoramic views that delicately include the Space Needle along with Elliott Bay, the Great Wheel, and the Olympic Mountains. Its rooftop infinity pool is particularly renowned for breathtaking perspectives, albeit the Needle is a subtle element within a larger, exquisite city and water vista.
Best Rooms & Suites for the View
Look for the Presidential Suite or Elliott Bay Suite on high floors, where the skyline and the Needle feature prominently in a sophisticated panorama.
Top Amenities
- Rooftop infinity pool with views
- Full-service luxury spa
- Goldfinch Tavern by Ethan Stowell
- 24-hour fitness center
Location & Setting
Located downtown at 99 Union St, the Four Seasons is positioned to blend waterfront luxury with cityscape elegance.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Travelers wanting a refined, ultra-luxury stay where the Space Needle is part of a grandeur skyline scene rather than a close-up focal point.
Official Website
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Distance to Space Needle: 0.6 miles
CitizenM offers an affordable luxury experience with a focus on smartly designed compact rooms and social communal spaces. The best Space Needle views are found on the rooftop bar, offering direct and impressive angles, and some high floors provide excellent vistas, though individual room views cannot be guaranteed.
Best Rooms & Suites for the View
High-floor rooms facing northwest offer the best potential views but must be requested since there is no specific view room category.
Top Amenities
- 24/7 canteenM kitchen
- Rooftop bar with views
- In-room mood lighting and tech controls
- Art-filled common areas
Location & Setting
Situated at 221 Westlake Ave N in South Lake Union, close to Seattleâs tech hub and vibrant local scenes.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Travelers seeking a budget-conscious option with a modern vibe, who prioritize rooftop views in a dynamic urban neighborhood.
Official Website
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Hyatt at Olive 8
Distance to Space Needle: 0.8 miles
An upscale and environmentally conscious hotel in downtown Seattle, Hyatt at Olive 8 offers clean, angled views of the Space Needle from its higher north-facing rooms. The view captures the urban fabric of the Denny Triangle neighborhood with the Needle as a key architectural feature in the vista, though it is not a direct head-on angle.
Best Rooms & Suites for the View
Book the âKing Bed with Space Needle Viewâ or âLuxury King Suiteâ to secure the best visual experience, preferably on higher floors to avoid obstructions.
Top Amenities
- Elaia Spa
- Saline lap pool
- On-site farm-to-table restaurant
- LEED certified building
Location & Setting
Located at 1635 8th Ave, it sits in the heart of downtown within a green-focused, modern high-rise environment.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Eco-conscious travelers desiring an upscale, thoughtfully designed stay with a sleek, angled skyline view including the Space Needle.
Official Website
Level South Lake Union
Distance to Space Needle: 0.6 miles
Level South Lake Union offers apartment-style extended-stay accommodations with the onsite comfort of full kitchens and balconies. North-facing units deliver excellent, direct views of the Space Needle, enhanced by private outdoor space like balconies that invite long, unhurried skyline gazing.
Best Rooms & Suites for the View
Suites with confirmed Space Needle views include the One Bedroom Suite and Two Bedroom Suite boasting private balconies.
Top Amenities
- Rooftop terrace and pool
- Full kitchens in every suite
- Fitness center and yoga studio
- In-suite laundry
Location & Setting
At 110 Boren Ave N in South Lake Union, this property offers residential comfort in a vibrant city neighborhood with easy access to the Needleâs dramatic backdrop.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Travelers planning longer stays who want the comforts of home coupled with spectacular direct views of Seattleâs most famous landmark.
Official Website
Hotels in Seattle, Washington With the Best Space Needle Sunrise & Sunset Views
For visitors prioritizing when to capture the Needle in spectacular light, certain hotels stand out for their ideal directional views.
- Best Sunset View: The Westin Seattleâs high-floor North Tower rooms provide a spectacular vantage point to watch the Space Needle glow as the sunset paints both the structure and the Olympic Mountains beyond.
- Best Sunrise View: South Lake Union hotels, including Astra Hotel Seattle, offer a rewarding perspective to see the rising sun light up the eastern side of the Needle first, making early mornings especially magical.
These directional views depend heavily on securing rooms described explicitly as "Space Needle View" and on the appropriate side and floor of the building.
Restaurants With a View in Seattle
Seattle's impressive landmarks are best complemented with great dining options offering memorable vistas:
- The Loupe Lounge Located atop the Space Needle itself, this cocktail lounge features the worldâs first and only revolving glass floor 500 feet above the city. While it doesn't offer a view of the Space Needle, it grants unparalleled 360-degree panoramas from the Needle, making it an iconic dining experience. The Loupe Lounge
- Canlis A Seattle institution, Canlis pairs Pacific Northwest fine dining with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows framing Lake Union, the surrounding city skyline, and a distant but elegant profile of the Space Needle. Romantic and iconic, it is popular for special occasions. Canlis
- mbar This stylish rooftop restaurant and bar in South Lake Union commands sweeping views of the Space Needle and Lake Union. Its expansive outdoor patio makes it a favored spot for enjoying vibrant cityscapes alongside Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. mbar
Best Things to Do for the View in Seattle
Beyond hotel windows and rooftop bars, Seattle offers several premier vantage points to admire the Space Needle:
- Kerry Park The quintessential spot for iconic Seattle photos, Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill features a picture-perfect tableau with the Needle centered against downtown, Mount Rainier, and Elliott Bay. A must-see for photographers and first-time visitors alike. Visit Kerry Park
- Gas Works Park On the north shore of Lake Union, this former gasification plant-turned-park provides a unique industrial backdrop to the skyline, with excellent waterfront views including the Space Needle tucked within the cityscape. Visit Gas Works Park
- Washington State Ferries (Bainbridge Island Route) A 35-minute ferry ride from downtown to Bainbridge Island offers an ever-changing, awe-inspiring panorama of the Seattle skyline, the Space Needle included. The return journey doubles down on this spectacular waterborne perspective. Washington State Ferries
3-Day Scenic Itinerary in Seattle
Day 1: Check into your Space Needle view room at the Pan Pacific Seattle. Spend your afternoon exploring the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit right at the Needleâs base. Evening calls for dinner at mbar, enjoying vibrant skyline views alongside flavorful cuisine.
Day 2: Begin your day with classic photographs of the Space Needle at Kerry Park during the soft morning light. Afterward, embark on the Bainbridge Island ferry to take in magnificent water and city views. Close your day with cocktails at The Nest rooftop bar at Thompson Seattle, watching the sunset illuminate the Needle and harbor.
Day 3 (Optional): Visit the Space Needle itself to experience its panoramic observation decks. Take a final look from your hotel room before departure, and enjoy a relaxed lunch in South Lake Union with one last glimpse of the iconic skyline.
Insider Local Tips for the Best Views
- Best Places to Photograph the View: Kerry Park during sunrise or sunset is timeless. For a fresh angle, visitors often head to the 12th Avenue S Bridge on Beacon Hill or opt for a kayak trip on Lake Union for water-level perspectives.
- Best Time of Day for Views: Early mornings frequently yield clearer skies and crisp air, while âgolden hourâ just before sunset provides warm, dramatic lighting. Nighttime views come alive with city lights but may obscure the Needleâs distant outlines.
- How to Book a View Room: Always select the "Space Needle View" room category online. Itâs advisable to call the hotel about a week before your stay to confirm your room and request a high floor to minimize obstructions and maximize outlook.
- What to Avoid: Avoid booking standard or non-view rooms with hopes of a late upgradeâthese rooms almost never include views. Low-floor rooms often have obstructed sightlines, particularly in high-density downtown settings.
- Timing and Reservations: For restaurants like Canlis, book months ahead due to high demand. For hotels, secure your Space Needle view room 3â6 months in advance, especially for summer when views are optimal.
Best Time to Visit for Space Needle Visibility
From July through September, Seattle typically enjoys the clearest and sunniest days, yielding the best chances for unobstructed views of the Space Needle and surrounding skyline. Shoulder months of May, June, and October offer fewer crowds with variable but often excellent viewing conditions. November through April, Seattleâs rainy season, can bring clouds and fog, occasionally muting the view, but also granting moody, atmospheric scenes when skies clear on winter days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to book a specific 'Space Needle View' room to get the view? Yes, absolutely. Hotels price these rooms at a premium. Booking a standard or "city view" room typically means your room faces away from the Space Needle with no view.
Is a higher floor always better for a view of the Space Needle? Generally, yes. Higher floors clear surrounding buildings and obstacles, offering less obstructed and more expansive views. When booking a view room, always request the highest floor possible.
Will my view be blocked by fog or clouds? Visibility can be impacted by fog or clouds, especially outside the summer months. While the Needleâs height often keeps it visible above low clouds, dense fog can obscure it. Check weather conditions and maintain flexible expectations.
Seattleâs hotels with a view of the Space Needle offer an extraordinary range of experiencesâfrom luxury suites with floor-to-ceiling windows to rooftop patios with sweeping cityscapes. For travelers invested in capturing or simply soaking in this landmark's presence, understanding the nuances of each propertyâs perspective is key to unlocking the perfect Seattle skyline stay. Whether you seek up-close drama, broad panoramas, or vibrant social scenes atop the cityâs rooftops, your ideal vantage point awaits.
Janet Doman
Janet is a travel expert who curates the best hotel experiences for couples seeking memorable and unique stays. She enjoys long walks on the beach with her partner and reading books by the fire. She has a cat named Daisy that she loves and adores.
